American Bulldog or Ambul

In dog selection, American Bulldogs are frequently considered as desirable options. These dogs are devoted companions and powerful protectors, and they are well-known for their muscular physique and lively disposition. But what if you’re thinking about getting a "Ambul"? Many dog lovers have taken an interest in this lesser-known breed due to its distinctive qualities and endearing personality.

American Bulldogs are renowned for their intelligence and amiable disposition. They make wonderful family pets because they love interacting with people. They are highly adaptable to a variety of lifestyles given the correct instruction and socialization. However, for those seeking something a little different, the Ambul, a hybrid of the American Bulldog and other breeds, offers a combination of traits.

The main distinctions and similarities between the American Bulldog and the Ambul will be discussed in this article. Whether you’re an experienced handler or a first-time dog owner, knowing these breeds will help you make a wise decision. Let’s explore what makes each unique and what to anticipate from a pet you bring into your house.

Feature	Details
Breed Type	American Bulldog
Weight	70-120 lbs
Height	20-28 inches
Temperament	Friendly, Loyal, Protective
Exercise Needs	High
Grooming	Low
Trainability	Easy
Life Span	10-15 years

Breed characteristics

Brief description
Origin:	United States of America
Keeping conditions:	Private or country house with an adjacent plot
Purpose:	Farm dog, guard, companion
Color:	Brindle, various variations with a dominant white shade (brindle, red, completely white)
Coat length:	Short 1.5-2.5 cm
Adult dog size:	Depends on the type. Average height in withers of females 55-65 cm, males 59-69 cm, weight of males 45-60 kg, females 35-50 kg
Average life expectancy:	12-14 years
Walking:	Daily, 2-3 times
Need for physical activity:	Tall, a bulldog needs to be trained at least 2 times a week for 3-3.5 hours
Classification of the International Cynological Federation (FCI):	Unrecognized breeds (no standard)
Puppy cost:	Varies depending on the region of purchase, pedigree and other factors. The average price in Russia is 40,000 rubles

History of the origin of the species

Ambuli are the ancestors of the Old English Bulldogs. At the same time, American representatives of the species are closer to their relatives than European ones. Modern English Bulldogs have almost not retained the characteristic qualities of their ancestors. Multiple attempts to remake this breed have led to the fact that its representatives have no fighting spirit. American Bulldogs have retained this distinctive feature. The name of the entire species comes from the English word “bulldog”, consisting of two parts bull and dog. Literally this translates as “bull dog”. The breed got its name due to the fact that for a long time it was used for combat purposes. In this case, the dogs had to fight not with animals of equal size, but with bulls. Accordingly, their fighting qualities are of great importance. For this reason, opponents of the breed do not want it to be recognized by the FCI, and breeders are persistently trying to recreate the Old English Bulldog due to its uniqueness. Mentions of Ambuls first appeared at the end of the 19th century. Since the predecessors of this breed were used for combat purposes, the “new generation” of dogs could not find a worthy application in wide public circles. Bulldogs were still mated together in underground clubs, but at that time it was already illegal.

Specialized breeds existed for farming, security, and companionship. Nevertheless, the Ambuls survived and eventually even started to reclaim their former glory. They were particularly well-liked among selectionists and breeders.

The dogs only recently (between 1990 and 1995) started to appear on Russian soil. Since the breed was relatively unique for the post-Soviet era, it was initially well received. However, as time went on, many people started to view Ambuli as vicious monsters. This was partly because news about another bulldog that had injured a stranger or its owner was disseminated like wildfire by the yellow press and even by respectable magazines. The primary issue was that these canines could not be raised in a specific nation.

It’s critical to take into account each breed’s distinct characteristics, temperaments, and maintenance requirements when choosing between an American Bulldog and an AmBul, a cross between an American Bulldog and an American Pit Bull Terrier. Although both breeds are renowned for their power and loyalty, their energy levels, needs for training, and socialization inclinations are different. You can choose what’s best for your home and lifestyle by understanding these differences, which this article will help you with.

Distinctive features

1. Classic. Alternative name: Johnson type. Classic Ambuli differ from other types in their purpose. These dogs have pronounced guard qualities. Due to this, they are considered excellent companions and old-timers. External differences: powerful build and short muzzle .
2. Standard. Alternative name: Scott type. Dogs belonging to this subspecies are real stalkers. They have retained the maximum number of features of their ancestors. Standard representatives of the breed are ideal for hunting and scaring off large wild animals (for example, wild boars). The appearance of such dogs differs in several parameters: an elongated muzzle, low stature and an athletic, sculpted physique. Naturally, all this in comparison with representatives of the classic type of the same breed.
3. Mixed. Alternative name: hybrid. This is what many breeders have been working on for the past 10 years. As a rule, two types of American Bulldogs are crossed. The “output” is a dog endowed with the best qualities of the classic and standard subspecies. Representatives of the mixed type can have various external features (within the breed). They are distinguished by greater physical strength and endurance

Some separate the mixed type into subtypes known as Painter and Williams. It is not very clear why these subspecies are on the list, as their characteristics are rather ambiguous.

It is important to realize that dogs from any of these breeds are authentic Ambouls. One cannot label hybrids that combine the genes of traditional and modern bulldogs as "defective." A significant factor in this is that the breed, in theory, does not have a single standard; rather, it has a collection of distinguishing characteristics.

Principal characteristics outside:

• Body. Strong, muscular. Has a developed and deep chest. Body type is square, compact. Neck Quite wide, slightly tapering closer to the skull. Back part of the body (croup) is strong. The structure of the croup is distinguished by wide shoulders, due to which it seems that the dogs have slightly “wheeled” paws. Closer to the pelvis, the body becomes narrower, which creates a smooth line and adds elegance to the appearance.
• Head. Quite wide and large, with a flat top and a groove running along the frontal part of the skull. Almost all representatives of the breed have muscular cheeks. The pigment of the nose, eyelids and lips is usually black, but can also be dark brown. The nose is upturned, which, by the way, allows the dog to breathe while it has prey in its teeth.
• Coat. Short, smooth. Several color options are allowed, but most often there are dogs with a predominance of white fur. Ambuli can have large spots of various shades all over the body and on the muzzle. Criteria for which a dog can be disqualified: “dirty” pattern (the presence of a scattering of small dark specks on a pure color), black fur.
• Tail. Smooth, low-set.
• Paws. Strong, straight, have visible muscles.
• Ears. Hanging, medium length. Can be docked (have a sharp tip, small size and triangle shape).
• Eyes. Wide-set, located almost at the ears. Can be almond-shaped or round. The eye color can be any, but hazel, dark is preferable.
• Bite. In most cases, incorrect (undershot), but for this breed this is not considered a disadvantage. Moreover, dogs belonging to the classic type should not have a scissor (correct) bite. If a bulldog participates in an exhibition, then it can be disqualified based on this criterion alone. It is desirable that the bulldog has strong and healthy teeth.

Puppies of bulldogs lack prominent facial features. They only get them as they get older. This is the reason a dog should only be purchased from reputable and knowledgeable breeders.

Photo of an adult dog

Photo puppies

Characteristics and behavior

A common misconception about this breed’s nature persists, and the majority of people in the CIS still hold it to be true. It’s because Ambuli are ferocious, uncontrollable dogs that don’t get along with kids or other animals.

It is undeniable that every member of the species has a gene pool comprising genuinely harsh ancestors. However, it’s also important to approach situations realistically.

• The character of a dog is partially predetermined by nature and has features that are almost impossible to remake. But its behavior with people and animals depends on the upbringing instilled by the owner.
• Ambuli can be aggressive and disobedient, but only if they have been poorly or poorly trained. Modern representatives of the breed are wayward, but patient. They are wary of strangers, but are friendly towards members of their owner"s family. Bulldogs remember good and bad, so they need to be raised correctly, avoiding aggression and especially causing physical harm.
• Representatives of the breed often have a negative attitude towards other dogs. This is not considered a deviation, moreover, this factor is spelled out in the official characteristics confirmed by cynologists. Therefore, taking a bulldog into a house in which a dog of a different breed already lives is imprudent. There is a high probability that the animals will conflict with each other. If a fight occurs, the bulldog is 99% likely to emerge victorious, and its opponent will be left with injuries.
• You cannot leave a small child with a bulldog. The younger the child, the higher the likelihood that his behavior will cause a negative reaction and aggression in the dog.

Advantages

1. These dogs are excellent guards and loyal companions. They are truly capable of protecting their owner from any number of offenders. The physical form of the Ambuli allows them to compete even with tall and strong men. Therefore, the main advantage that bulldog owners feel to the fullest extent is safety.
2. Representatives of the breed are capable of tender feelings, they can be affectionate and even docile. This is not a plus that is manifested in all dogs without exception, but it takes place among pets that receive love and care from their owners. Ambuli are sensitive, they are able to understand the emotions and intentions of other animals and even people.
3. And finally, this breed is absolutely unique. It became the prototype of many popular fighting breeds (including the American pit bull). The physical abilities of the breed"s representatives are still considered unique, despite the fact that many strong and hardy dogs have been described in cynology.

Disadvantages

There are just three drawbacks, but they should all be discussed in detail:

1. Ambulies should not be kept by people who do not have experience in keeping and training fighting or hunting breeds. These dogs feel insecure and lack control over the situation. They will not listen to a person who is afraid of them or does not understand what he needs to do.
2. American Bulldogs need physical activity. They need to be walked constantly or let outside alone (if the territory is fenced). Training should also be regular and long-term. Without proper physical activity, Ambuls become aggressive and completely disobedient.
3. There is always a chance of running into a “bad” puppy (especially in an attempt to save money). Many breeders are not experienced enough to breed Ambuls. Some try to cheat and sell a non-purebred dog. Breed standards are too vague, which allows scammers to profit from naive buyers.

Some people do not want to own an ambuli. Purchasing and raising this dog will require significant preparation over time.

Care and maintenance

Unlike their "decorative" English counterparts, American bulldogs are utterly unpretentious. In spite of this, owners still have a lot of care guidelines to adhere to.

• The main one is to constantly walk and train with your pet, as well as buy him special toys for developing teeth and for simple entertainment, active games.
• Caring for the dog"s health is non-specific. It is enough to provide the ambulance with a balanced diet. It is advisable to periodically give your pet dietary supplements and vitamin complexes (avoiding exceeding the normal dose of D, Ca and A).
• You cannot wash your dog too often, 1-2 times a year is enough. Since the representatives of the breed have short hair, they can simply be wiped and combed.
• Periodically, you need to check the condition of the pet"s jaw and teeth at the veterinarian. With the help of dietary supplements and vitamins, you can partially solve the problem with damaged teeth.
• Ears and eyes do not require specific cleaning. Nails need to be cut every 1.5 weeks (if they are not ground down naturally).

Nutrition

Puppies that are six weeks old or older can switch to supplemental feeding. Their daily meat intake at this age ranges from 100 to 150 grams. feeding schedule:

Fundamental guidelines for feeding:

1. Puppies can be given only small portions. 30% of the total diet should always be protein products.
2. The principle of feeding a pet up to 18 months: better more often, but less. You should not overfeed the dog. If you give it food several times a day, it will be well-fed and active. The diet must be balanced. The diet of an adult dog should not consist only of meat products.
3. You need to monitor the calorie content of food and the weight of the pet. If the ambul gets fat, the risk of bone and joint diseases will increase. In no case should you feed the dog at night or give it pieces from the table. This will immediately ruin the upbringing, and also disrupt the pet"s diet.
4. You need to feed the bulldog periodically offal and fish, vegetables (carrots, beets), cottage cheese. The puppy can also be fed with porridge and fermented milk products, eggs.

It is not advised that any member of the breed, regardless of age, consume sweets.

Health

The health of American bulldogs is what sets them apart. They have generally strong immunity and are fairly hardy. Even so, these dogs are not immune to all diseases. If the owners adhere to the guidelines for feeding and caring for their pet and take them to the vet on a regular basis, some characteristic pathologies won’t manifest.

Outpatient clinics typically have a life expectancy of 12–14 LeT, but many pets live up to 15–17 years. Lower indicators are seen in the English breed of dogs, whose members typically only live 10–12 years.

Vaccinations

The canine must first be shielded from helminths. An antihelminthic medication should be given to the puppy once it has acclimated to the house. Remember that this breed’s representatives are frequently and for extended periods of time outside, playing in the grass and dirt. They are in constant danger as a result.

1. A 2-month-old puppy needs to be vaccinated with Nobivac (Nobivac) DHPPI.
2. Further vaccinations should be carried out at the discretion of the veterinarian.
3. Most often, puppies are given 2 vaccinations, the interval between which is 14 days.

The dog cannot be given a bath or even taken outside after the injection. After the vaccination, the pet needs to spend two weeks at home. The animal’s coat should be treated with a parasite-fighting medication by the end of March, specifically one that targets ticks.

Diseases

Because of the peculiarities of their anatomy, bulldogs are more susceptible to bone and joint diseases. Dysplasia is the most prevalent illness affecting breed members. First, the pathology is inherited; second, the same proper diet and care can help minimize the risk of its occurrence. In spite of this, a lot of Ambuls develop joint dysplasia, usually in their later years.

Allergies are another illness that these dogs frequently have. Food allergies are prevalent and are linked to either insufficient nutrition or unique physical traits of the dog. You must determine which product—or products—are allergens and then totally remove them from your pet’s diet in order to prevent problems. It needs to be entirely changed if an incorrect diet is the reason for the unfavorable response. Even before purchasing a dog, one must consider the cost of maintaining an Ambul.

Walking

• Walks should be frequent, long and active.
• It is not enough to just sit on a bench and wait for “the dog to do its business”. It is necessary to interact with the pet.
• During walks, you can resort to training, but, of course, for full classes it is better to choose a specialized place equipped with all the necessary.
• Ambul should have at least 1.5-2 hours is in the fresh air. During the walk, you need to ensure that the pet does not conflict with other dogs.
• An untrained bulldog cannot be walked without a muzzle.

Grooming

US bulldogs have moderate to frequent shedding. As a result, the coat needs to be gently massaged once a week. Additionally, the pet must receive routine anti-parasite medication. The dog’s coat needs to be washed with flea shampoo on occasion.

Mating

Since the American bulldog’s body remains in an adolescent, unformed state for a considerable amount of time, seasoned breeders do not advise early mating.

• Ideal age: 2-3 years. In theory, it is possible with 18 months, but this can simply injure the animal"s body.
• Female Ambules go into heat approximately 1 time in 6 months, lasts about 3 weeks.

The process of choosing a mate for reproduction is significant and intricate. Selecting a dog that is similar to his own and seeing its behavior up close are essential. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that mating will succeed even in the event that a partner is found. It is necessary to acquaint the dogs beforehand and watch how they interact with one another.

Key points in training

Bulldogs require training from the time they are puppies. This breed’s dogs need to be disciplined or they will grow obnoxious and intolerable. Although it is pointless to give very young puppies commands, they can be trained to locate the bowl, toilet, and sleeping area.

Important details that should be considered when training:

• No violence or rough handling, otherwise the dog will rebel and stop obeying;
• You need to encourage your bulldog, but you shouldn"t get carried away with it, because, again, it easily and quickly becomes impudent;
• You shouldn"t place great hopes on the first training sessions, because ambuli are not the smartest dogs;
• If the dog becomes aggressive, you need to completely change tactics;
• You can conduct full and productive training only in a place that is equipped with an obstacle course.
• Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, teaching commands at home”.

This breed of dog takes a very long time to pick up commands. At first, the procedure is particularly "tight." Play is the best training method.

Selecting between an Ambull and an American Bulldog can be difficult. Each breed has special qualities and charms of its own. Because of its strength and loyalty, the American Bulldog is a wonderful companion for active families. They enjoy being involved in family activities and thrive on interaction.

The Ambull, also known as the American Bully, has a gentler side. This breed is frequently regarded as a loving, playful, and gentle giant. They are a great asset to any home because they typically get along with children and other pets.

Both breeds need consistency and patience in their training. For the American Bulldog to use its energy constructively, it might need more socialization. Because of its eagerness to please disposition, the Ambull typically picks up instructions fast. Early training and socialization are essential for a well-adjusted pet, regardless of breed choice.

In the end, it’s all about your lifestyle and preferences. Consider your living situation, activity level, and the kind of companionship you’re looking for. Both the American Bulldog and the Ambull can bring joy and love into your life; it just depends on which one fits your needs better. No matter your choice, you’re sure to gain a loyal friend for life.

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